TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said pilots had taken a stand on the “important issue” of access to days off despite “significant union-won pay increases and other improved conditions”.
The 8pm trans-Tasman service will move to 7:30am from November, offering more convenient connections with international flights leaving Sydney for destinations such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul.
The Flying Kangaroo will end its Sydney–Shanghai route, which operates five times per week using its A330-300 fleet, from 28 July citing low demand. China Eastern Airlines is currently the only other carrier that flies between Sydney and Shanghai.
The sold-out maiden flight, VA1681, touched down at Ayers Rock Airport at around 4pm local time on Thursday afternoon on board the 737-800 VH-YIA. Virgin is also commencing Brisbane–Uluru flights this week, with the first to take off on Friday.
TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said pilots had taken a stand on the “important issue” of access to days off despite “significant union-won pay increases and other improved conditions”.